Bon dia! Here is your news update for Monday, 23 June.
It’s bonfire night for the Festival of San Juan! If you plan to go, be aware of a taxi strike from 9 p.m. tonight to 6 a.m. tomorrow. Traffic restrictions will also be in place around Cabanyal and Malvarrosa, so the bus and metro are your best bets.
Summer Health & Safety
Heat Alerts and Water Warnings
With summer heating up, Spain’s Ministry of Health has launched a heat alert map with info available in English.
Meteosalud Heat Map
The Aemet Meteorological Agency warns of extreme heat, with some areas in Valencia nearing 40°C. Meanwhile, concern is rising over unauthorized swimming in the Turia River despite recent drownings.
This is the Valencian town that hit 39.9 degrees on Saturday | Las Provincias
Turia swimming continues despite recent deaths | Las Provincias
Contaminated Beaches and Flood Residue
The Massalfassar beach was temporarily closed due to contamination. This comes days after La Safor beaches were briefly closed after a mystery substance was found on the beach. Elsewhere, flood debris is once again being detected along the Albufera and Valencian coastline, raising questions about the effectiveness of previous cleanup efforts.
Second beach closed over pollution | Las Provincias
Full Report: Ecologistas en Acción
Wildfire Prevention Boosted
A new system of eight water cannons is being installed in El Saler to help contain potential wildfires during red alert conditions. Over the weekend, firefighters contained a forest fire in Bocairent that threatened the Serra de Mariola Natural Park.
Fire prevention system in El Saler | Cadena SER
Bocairent Fores Fire Stabilized | A Punt
Politics in Valencia
Corruption Fallout Widens
As Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez faces calls for new elections amid a growing corruption scandal, PSPV offices have been vandalized. Investigations continue into alleged kickbacks and irregularities in public works. New revelations further implicate José Luis Ábalos, while the UCO gathers evidence against Rafa Rubio and others.
Vandalism targets PSPV amid scandals | Las Provincias
30 suspect contracts in Abalos probe | Levante-EMV
Police gather evidence in ‘Operación Colegios’ | Valencia Plaza
Pharmacy Payments Delayed
Valencian pharmacies have been warned of delays in public reimbursements due to the ongoing liquidity crisis with the national government.
Medication payments delayed | El País
Flood Recovery
Building Challenges in the Flood Plain
More than half a year after the October floods and reconstruction is progressing slowly. Urban planners are taking inspiration from IKEA Alafafar’s elevated parking design as they rethink flood resilience. However, some residents in Picanya are refusing to give up their riverside homes despite the danger of future floods.
IKEA model inspires Valencia’s rebuilding | Valencia Plaza
“What we’re experiencing now is worse than the Dana” | Valencia Plazas Provincias
Documenting the Disaster
Volunteers gathered at La Rambleta once again, this time for a screening of the documentary “Voluntarios: La riada silenciosa”. The film portrays the enormous volunteer effort that came together during the disaster. Another project has rescued more than 1.5 million family photos and archive films from flood damage, revealing an intimate portrait of L’Horta Sud in Valencia.
Flood volunteers return to La Rambleta, the place of solidarity | El País
What 1.5 million rescued photos say | El País
Crime & Policing
Trafficking and Labor Exploitation Raids
Police dismantled a human trafficking network, freeing women from forced sexual exploitation. In a separate case, undocumented migrants were found working in a clandestine workshop in Xirivella.
Macro-operation busts trafficking network | El País
Exploitation workshop dismantled | Las Provincias
Homeless Migrants Evicted from Industrial Estate
Dozens of migrants who had sheltered in a derelict industrial estate in Aldaia were forcibly removed by the owners of the land, without the apparent involvement of the police or city council. The violent confrontation ended with 2 people arrested and 4 detained by police.
Migration Disaster at the Aldaia Industrial estate | Levante
Missing Woman Found Adrift in Boat
A British woman who had rented a sailboat in Formentera was rescued after being spotted by a ferry traveling between Ibiza and Valencia.
Woman who disappeared in boat admitted to Valencia hospital | Las Provincias
Economy & Infrastructure
IMF and IBM Eye Valencia for New Hubs
President Carlos Mazón says the IMF is considering opening a technology office in Valencia. Meanwhile, IBM has inaugurated a new digital sales center at the Terminal Hub by the Marina.
IMF office in Valencia? | El País
IBM inaugurates its digital sales center | Valencia Plaza
Waterfront in Limbo After Losing America’s Cup
After losing the America’s Cup bid, parts of the Marina remain underfunded and derelict, awaiting a new redevelopment plan.
Valencia’s Marina awaits redesign | Las Provincias
Transport & Mobility
New International Routes
Valencia Airport has launched weekly direct flights to Montreal and Oslo, improving international connectivity.
New routes to Montreal and Oslo | Valencia Plaza
Taxi Strikes All Summer
Expect rolling taxi strikes every Saturday night this summer, plus a full shutdown for San Juan night.
San Juan and Saturday night taxi strikes | Valencia Extra
Culture & Lifestyle
Corpus Christi Parade
Roman soldiers, giants, and dancing demons filled the streets of the Old City on Sunday for one of Valencia’s most cherished traditions. In an unusual incident, one of the Cathedral bell ringers was injured when a swinging bell hit him on Sunday.
Corpus Christi Photo Essay | Las Provincias
Bell ringer injured during Corpus Christi | Levante
Guitar Straps Become a Statement
A Valencia-based maker of custom guitar straps has become a favorite among international rock stars.
Guitar Strap Fashion | Valencia Plaza
Gelato Love Story in Ruzafa
An Albanian-Italian couple, Glen and Alerna, found love — and a business — making artisanal gelato in Ruzafa.
Glen and Alerna’s gelato dream | Valencia Plaza